VA names interim medical inspector

The Department of Veterans Affairs has appointed a top health administrator to serve as interim director of its Office of Medical Inspector.

The inspector's office came under scrutiny last month, after an independent investigator issued a scathing report saying the office downplayed whistleblower complaints outlining serious problems at VA facilities across the country.

Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson said that Dr. Gerard Cox will replace the retired Dr. John Pierce. Cox is a top official at the Veterans Health Administration, the VA's health care arm.

Pierce retired June 30, after the independent Office of Special Counsel issued a report critical of his office.

Gibson said the medical inspector's office needs new leadership, adding he expects Cox to restructure the office to better serve veterans and act as an internal watchdog.